Detroit in the late 1940s was a city alive with music.
The post-war boom was in full swing, and the city’s thriving industrial base provided steady jobs and economic opportunities. But it wasn’t just the city’s factories humming – Detroit’s music scene was also in full swing.
One of the standout moments from this time was the recording of “Lonely Girl” and “Take Me Back Daddy” by Rose Nelson, a beautiful song written by Barbee Elmer and Emkay (“M” orris “Ka” plan). Morris recorded “Lonely Girl” in 1949 on his Danceland Records label.
Rose Nelson was a talented singer who had performed in Detroit for several years. Her rich, soulful voice was well-known in the local music scene, and she had built up a following of loyal fans. Morris found her on stage performing in a classic dinner nightclub, where he stood in awe as the only white man. She inspired him to purchase the Wilcox Wire Recorder. She was one of the first he recorded.
Rose’s rich, soulful voice was well-known in the local music scene, and she had built up a following of loyal fans. The “Lonely Girl” and “Take Me Back Daddy” songs was a poignant reflection on the experience of loneliness, something many could relate to in the aftermath of World War II. The lyrics were simple but powerful, capturing the sense of isolation many felt in the post-war era. It also served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and creativity of Detroit’s residents, who had weathered the challenges of the post-war period with grace and determination.
That was the beginning of it all. Danceland Records, an exit Morris saw as an opportunity to do something else with his life. He found he had a keen ear for talent and soon was always on the lookout for the next song. Kaplan brought together a group of talented musicians to record “Lonely Girl” with Rose Nelson. The result was a beautiful song rendition that showcased Nelson’s incredible vocal range and the musicians’ skillful instrumentation.
The recordings of “Lonely Girl” and “Take Me Back Daddy” quickly became a local hit, and it wasn’t long before it caught the attention of music industry insiders outside of Detroit.
Today, “Lonely Girl” and “Take Me Back Daddy” remains a beloved classic of the era, a testament to the power of music to capture the human experience and bring people together.
Funny inside story to include. Sammy was 13 years old when “Lonely Girl” was being recorded. His father, Morris, brought him into the studio that day. At the end of the recording, Sammy was about to make a noise, and his father, stopped him, “Sam.” If you listen hard enough, you can hear it.
“Lonely Girl”
“Lonely Girl” Lyrics
You knew I was lonely looking for someone to love
You knew I was lonely looking for someone to love
I’ll be your lover, baby I swear by the stars above
I’m five feet four and I know what its all about
I’m five feet four and I know what its all about
Now when you start to love me I begin to sing and shout
(instrumental)
Now you love me in the morning, love me late at night
When you hold me baby, everything is all right
If I was lonely looking for someone to love
I’ll be your lover, baby, I swear by the stars above
You knew I was lonely looking for someone to love
You knew I was lonely looking for someone to love
I’ll be your lover, baby I swear by the stars above
(instrumental)
“Lonely Girl”
Performed by Rose Nelson
Written by Barbee Elmer and Emkay (“M” orris “Ka” plan)
Danceland Records by Morris Kaplan
Lovelane Music Group Inc
“Take Me Back Daddy”
LYRICS
“Take Me Back Daddy”
My baby left me this morning
I could hardly keep from crying
My baby left me this morning.
I could hardly keep from crying
Now I’m sick and worried –people all the time
Please take me back, daddy
Try me one more time
Please take me back, daddy
Try me one more time
If I can’t have you, baby
think I’ll lose my mind
(Instrumental)
Now my friends all told me, they see you everywhere.
I went down on the corner to see if you were there.
You know, baby, I could hardly keep from crying
Well now, I’m sick and worried –people all the time.
“Take Me Back Daddy”
Performed by Rose Nelson
Written by Barbee Elmer and Emkay (“M” orris “Ka” plan)
Danceland Records by Morris Kaplan
Lovelane Music Group Inc
